Strategies for Interview Success
One of the most intimidating aspect of job hunts is the dreaded interview round. Interview fear is a natural consequence of seeking recognition and acceptance from other people particularly from prospective employers. Although talking about oneself may be a natural thing for some but others feel nervous about being asked questions regarding their professional or previous achievements. Perhaps due to modesty or the discomfort that comes with being asked personal questions Interviews have become one of the biggest and most intimidating aspects of the hiring process.
It doesn’t have to be the scenario.
Interviews are a great way for the applicant to show that their competencies are, their achievements, and potential. You have already made it through the first step, with your resume making its way through ATS scanners and you being considered for an interview. The chance to show and elaborate upon your resume, experience and the most important skills and experience is the equivalent of getting a entrance into the interview: if you convince the interviewer you’re a good fit this increases your chances of passing through the next step of the final selection process.
You can, fortunately, prepare for interviews even if you’re having doubts about speaking about your own achievements. The practice is essential and, fortunately, interview questions can be practiced prior to the time. The secret to successful interviews is preparation. Here are some suggestions you can implement to improve your chances of nailing the interview and impressing potential employers.
Learn to be comfortable around difficult questions.
Interviewers will ask you tough questions, in part, to gain information and information, but also since they want to help how you can get rid of potentially contentious questions and issues. Take for example the question "Why do you want to leave your current role?"
The answer to the question could be due to problems with management, or concerns with work-life balance, etc. No matter the answer however, the manner that you express your answer will demonstrate your capacity to be a fair and objective observer. Give a clear and honest explanation of your answer using as much objectivity feasible. This includes removing any emotional responses such as answers based on feelings or emotions that are not supported by evidence.
Other questions to be prepared for include "What did you do to get this job?", "Why should us choose to hire us?", or trick questions like "Why do be able to not hire you?" The key is to not lose composure and organise your thoughts carefully.
Before speaking, outline your thoughts using the PREP method: POINT-REASON-EXPLANATION/EXAMPLE/-POINT. Begin with your topic and then follow it up with a short explanation or a brief summary of why you chose to respond in a specific way. Add instances or elaborate. After you have explained thoroughly, go back to your previous point.
Similarly, if you are asked to write about your involvement in a task or project it is possible to employ the STAR Method, which is commonly used to respond on selection criteria. In using STAR it is necessary to describe the scenario,followed by a Task,then a description of Actionstaken then the result.
The body language
Behaving naturally in a stressful environment can be a daunting task but it is possible to practice professional communication. You can sit in front of a mirror or ask a friend you trust to ask questions of you and observe your behavior. Are you fidgeting or shifting about nervously? Do you appear intimidating, stiff, defensive or reserved in your body or speech? Do you use appropriate gestures? Do your facial expressions match what you want to make? Do you communicate openness, sincerity and genuine enthusiasm?
Be aware of your strengths and weak points.
Prior to the interview, be sure to review the job description once more. If you have read the job description and used the roles and responsibilities listed in the description to make changes to your resume and other document of selection It is imperative to look at the job description and how you will prepare yourself for interviewers. Be honest and upfront on your strength and weakness. Being honest about your strengths will enable the interviewer to notice your unique selling points as a potential client. But, indicating your intention to address your weaknesses will also be relevant.
Prepare questions
Another key aspect of the interview is to show genuine interest in the role and in the business. The best person to approach for questions during the interview is the one you interview. If you noticed something interesting in the job description or if you have concerns that weren’t answered through their FAQ or their guide questions (which typically are found in the job packet or in their general hiring page about section) You can raise them at the end of the interview, when your interviewer asks you to pose questions. Some of the questions you could ask your employer are:
"How can I be the most suitable person for the jobif given the opportunity to work alongside your team?"
"Does the company have any major projects underway right now"
"What are the chances for further development and training?"
Know your salary expectations
Salary packages and other benefits are often advertised with the position (or on a list, in the case of SEEK). But, interviewers might ask you how much you expect to earn. The most important thing to do is give a range of where you’d like your earnings to be based instead of giving an exact or fixed number. Make sure to keep your limits to a certain extent instead of allowing a a wide margin. If, for instance, you think you will earn $75,000 in a year, a sensible range is anywhere between the $73,000 to $80,000 area or anywhere within the $10,000 range. Also, be aware of other benefits and perks as well and consider these when you evaluate your salary expectations.
Having these preparatory steps in your bag is vital to be prepared with the capability to handle the toughest questions. Be confident, be self-assured, and be bold.
For assistance in recruitment-related documents or credentials as well as interview preparation, you may contact Perth Resume. Our professional and friendly consultants will be able to assist you in your preparation steps. Contact us today to receive an complimentary quote or phone us directly to speak with one of our consultants on 1300 648 974.
